Fibre-to-the-home is becoming the technology of choice for bringing real broadband to the end-user. Fibre not only brings the highest bandwidth, it also enables network operators to build open networks that provide multiple services from multiple service providers. Important is that the underlying network elements such as the central office and home gateway support the bandwidth and services, while keeping the network cost low. Case studies of FTTH deployments in Europe will be presented and the role of the network elements supporting the rollouts will be highlighted. Also, a view on the next generation of FTTH network technologies will be given.